AI Associate

What if... we could harness the power of data with AI to create breakthroughs and accelerate the creation of new technologies?  This is the question that Flagship Pioneering seeks to explore. Joining together cutting edge-research and digital sciences, we are building on Flagship's legacy of founding companies at the forefront of AI. We are dedicated to developing AI/ML-powered platforms for transformative applications that drive advances across the ecosystem, fuel Flagship's creation of breakthrough innovations, and push the boundaries of the field. 

We are a team of applied research scientists and engineers from a variety of backgrounds spanning applied mathematics, advanced computation, engineering and robotics, enabling us to push the boundaries of AI-driven innovation. We challenge conventional computational approaches to unlock the next generation of AI breakthroughs.

Position Summary: 

We are seeking an innovative Machine Learning professional passionate about the intersection of ML and science to join our team. You will be at the forefront of developing, experimenting and deploying models built on large-scale, proprietary data to accelerate our scientific discovery efforts. This will propel our Origination team to launch companies on ideas where we can build successful models.

Key Responsibilities:

Venture Hypothesis Ideation and Validation:

• Perform computational proof-of-concept experiments to de-risk and refine venture hypotheses 
• Lead explorations to rapidly ideate around innovation utilizing AI/ML and computation to create outsized impact, and develop novel, actionable and high value venture hypotheses 

New Company Origination and Operation:

• Manage operational and strategic risks proactively, including: identifying proof-of-concept strategy, anticipating potential technical hurdles, pre-emptively seeking support and planning for alternative options 

• Define and evolve value-creation opportunity, including interacting with internal and external stakeholders to develop product-market fit, alongside a Principal or Partner 

• Clearly communicate progress and risks to Flagship leadership on a regular basis 
• Role could include helping teams with daily research and platform building 
• Work closely with Flagship operations team with day-to-day company operation, and help manage across development team and key stakeholders 

Capability Building and Team Building:

• Stay up to date on the latest technology developments and novel applications of AI/ML and other technologies across domains of interest
• Contribute to team building efforts, including: mentoring summer fellows, contributing to overall business unit strategy, and collaborating with our internal Center of Excellence on AI/ML knowledge sharing and research

Qualifications: 

• Master’s in technical fields (Computer Science, Engineering, Math, AI/ML)
• Agility to work in an entrepreneurial environment with a passion for start-ups.
• Hands-on experience developing and building ML models and a passion for working on technically challenging projects
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, across verbal, written and PowerPoint presentation
• Ability to navigate complex information, relentlessly prioritize, and thoughtfully handle ambiguity
• A passion for innovation and a willingness to explore uncharted territories

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. with 2+ years of experience in post-doc, tech, or a related tech-centered industry preferred.
• Experience with cutting-edge algorithms and a practical grounding in model development, experimentation and deployment (such as reinforcement learning, LLMs, causal inference)

What We Offer: 

• Make an impact as part of a Fortune “Change the World” company
• Surround yourself with inspirational colleagues and leaders
• A dynamic and innovative work environment, with an exciting startup culture as well as the full support and expertise from Flagship ecosystem
• A platform to grow, learn, and lead

LOCATION

Cambridge, MA

MORE ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING

Flagship Pioneering is a biotechnology company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.  Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com